The original line-up; McNabb, Chris Layhe and Chris Sharrock scored big with their first album in 1984 which yielded the hit singles ‘Love Is A Wonderful Colour’ (#15 UK chart) and ‘Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)’ – which was a Top 30 single in the Billboard chart.

They had four Top 40 UK albums which contained a run of classic 45s; ‘Hollow Horse’, ‘Understanding Jane’, ‘Who Do You Want For Your Love’, ‘Evangeline’, ‘When It All Comes Down’, ‘Little Girl Lost’ and ‘High Time’.

McNabb is considered one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. His fearlessness, range of styles and particularly his oft-radical eclecticism sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. 

In 1990 McNabb recorded the final album to bear the Icicle Works name ‘Permanent Damage’.

In 1991 McNabb began a successful solo career – releasing many highly-regarded albums including ‘Head Like A Rock’ which was nominated for the 1994 Mercury Prize. His last single Let The Young Girl Do What She Wants To reached #29 in 2005. He has recently released his 26th studio album ‘If It Wasn’t For The Music’.

Alongside his ongoing solo work he has worked with Ringo Starr, The Waterboys, Neil Young and Crazy Horse and the Lightning Seeds amongst others.

Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) was featured in ‘Stranger Things’ (Netflix) which introduced McNabb’s work to a new generation.

Since 2006 McNabb has regularly taken The Icicle Works out on the live circuit with Roy Corkill (bass), Richard Naiff (keys) and Nick Kilroe (drums).

Roy Corkill sadly passed away aged 60 in 2024.

The current line-up is Ian McNabb, Richard Naiff and Nick Kilroe.

“We felt a power-trio was the way to go. I cannot replace my close friend and musical confidant Roy, Richard will play bass with his left hand. We’re back to being a Prog/New Wave outfit. We started as a three-piece and it feels right to return to that configuration. It’s a full circle – a full icicle! Everyone has to work harder … the results will be electric. We can’t wait for everyone to hear this.”

The shows in 2025 will feature Icicle Works classics plus a carefully-curated selection of McNabb solo material.